Abstract: A fishing device includes a net disposed in a body of water containing fishes. A plurality of posts, wherein each post further includes a stem, a bottom cross disposed at a lower portion of the stem; a cross bar disposed at a top end of the stem; and a cord. The stem is an upright elongated protrusion extending from under a bottom to above a surface of the body of water. The cord is slidably secured to the cross bar. A first end of the cord is secured to a weight. A second end of the cord is secured to the net. The fishing device includes a release mechanism. The release mechanism grabs a portion of the cord to hold the weight in a first position adjacent to the cross bar. A bait system is disposed at or adjacent to a center of the net.

Abstract: A crustacean trap adapted to permit blocking entry to a crustacean of a protected species, including a cage, enclosing a volume and a crustacean entrance that can be closed to prevent entry, responsive to a first signal and opened to permit crustacean entry, responsive to a second signal received at the trap. Also, an image forming assembly includes a digital camera and a flash mechanism, the assembly being directed at an area immediately outside of the entrance and being tuned to return a maximum signal from crustaceans of the protected crustacean species so that a protected species crustacean appears as brightly lit in images formed, and being communicatively connected to a remote station that is equipped to receive-images from the assembly. Finally, there is a connector for connecting the cage to a signal source for receiving the first and second signals and for sending the images formed.

Abstract: An integral bird anti-migration panel is provided, which is conformed by a plurality of arches in a stepped pyramidal shape, spaced apart equidistantly from each other; a plurality of crossbars integrally joined to the sides of said plurality of arches to form a single element, wherein the union of said arches and crossbars form reticles of different dimensions, wherein the reticle of smaller dimension is located at the bottom of said panel and is designed to prevent small birds from entering inside said panel, and wherein the upper crossbar is ondulated to prevent the perching or resting of the birds thereon; and wherein the union of the lower crossbar and the lower ends of the arches forms a support base for the anti-migration panel; and wherein said lower cross member comprises a plurality of projections, which are configured to be buried in the ground and prevent the anti-migration panel from moving out of place.

Abstract: A fishing device includes a net disposed in a body of water containing fishes. A plurality of posts, wherein each post further includes a stem, a bottom cross disposed at a lower portion of the stem; a cross bar disposed at a top end of the stem; and a cord. The stem is an upright elongated protrusion extending from under a bottom to above a surface of the body of water. The cord is slidably secured to the cross bar. A first end of the cord is secured to a weight. A second end of the cord is secured to the net. The fishing device includes a release mechanism. The release mechanism grabs a portion of the cord to hold the weight in a first position adjacent to the cross bar. A bait system is disposed at or adjacent to a center of the net.

Abstract: An animal trapping device with a base length separating first and second ends of the base, a wire mesh cage assembly operably configured to surround the base and defining a base opening and a width, wherein the base is selectively, freely, and removably disposed within the base opening. The device also includes one or two opposing mesh entrances with a second free end elevated above an upper surface of the base and defining an exit aperture. The first and second wire mesh entrances, the wire mesh cage assembly, and the upper surface of the base defining an animal retention zone and the exit apertures of the first and second wire mesh entrances facing one another and at least partially aligned with one another.

Abstract: The present invention is a hoop net comprised of netting mounted to two or more semicircular tubular rods, forming a ring that maintains its shape and structural integrity. The two semicircular tubular rods are fashioned to connect seamlessly by a fastening means that allows the entire assembly to function as intended. The hoop net assembly includes four stabilizing cords positioned equidistant from each other along the ring, which cords converge at the center of the hoop net assembly and are connected to each other by a fastening means, then further connected to a single draw cord. The draw cord is used to cast the assembled hoop net into water to a desired depth and pulled back into the boat with live bait. Once the hoop net assembly has been used, the metal rods are easily disconnected to facilitate folding the hoop net in half for easy storage and portability.

Abstract: A steel structure cage for marine crustacean aquaculture and integration thereof into a vertical fish-crustacean aquaculture system are disclosed. The steel structure cage includes a steel frame, top, side and bottom net systems, a ballast tank system, and steel grooves. The steel frame includes internal and external steel frames. The steel grooves are fixed on upper and lower ends of the internal steel frame. Edges of the top and bottom net systems are respectively fixed into the corresponding steel grooves. The side net is welded on the internal steel frame. The ballast tank system is arranged between the internal and external steel frames. A HDPE cage is moored to the steel structure cage to form a vertical aquaculture system. Whereby, an ideal culturing environment for marine crustaceans is given and the objective of vertical aquaculture “culturing fish at top water layers and culturing prawns (crabs or cowries) at bottom water layers” can be fulfilled.

Abstract: A crab pot including a top, a bottom, and at least one side wall disposed between the top and the bottom, the top, bottom, and the at least one side wall being supported by a frame and enclosing an interior space. The crab pot further includes at least one entrance tunnel in the at least one side wall to permit entry of an animal into the interior space, the at least one entrance tunnel including a first end adjacent the at least one side wall and a second end opposite the first end, the second end disposed within the interior space. The crab pot also includes a trigger including at least one rod pivotably mounted at the second end of the at least one entrance tunnel.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems are provided for making the harvesting of sea life efficient. For example, real-time or periodic information about the status of the many traps a fisherman may have set is communicated to the fisherman while the traps are still in the water. A fisherman can use this information to determine the best time and path for trap retrieval and reset operations to reduce fuel use and improve the catch efficiency per unit effort.

Abstract: A fishing trap runner and fishing trap incorporating the runner, the runner comprising a rubber casing having a core. The core, which may be sectional, provides weight so that the runner can serve as ballast for the fishing trap. The rubber casing protects the core from damaging the trap or fishing equipment and, if the core is sealed by the casing, protects or limits the core from water damage.

Abstract: An insect trap is provided. The insect trap includes a flexible bag having a first edge and a second edge that are connected together at a seam. The insect trap also includes a nozzle secured between the edges adjacent the seam. The nozzle has a tube defining a passageway for insects into the bag and a fin providing a transition for the edges extending over the tube from the seam.

Abstract: A mechanical fish trap system is adapted to be installed in native water environments. The trap chamber is positioned in a first native water environment. The chamber includes a trap gate to allow a fish to swim into the trap chamber and then retain it therein. A water pipe is connected to the trap chamber. A water pump then pumps water through the water pipe and into the trap chamber and out the trap gate. The water pipe inlet is positioned in a second native water environment that is imbalanced with the water in the first native water environment.

Abstract: The present invention is a hoop net comprised of netting mounted to two semicircular tubular rods, forming a ring that maintains its shape and structural integrity. The two semicircular tubular rods are fashioned to connect seamlessly by a fastening means that allows the entire assembly to function as intended. The hoop net assembly includes four stabilizing cords positioned equidistant from each other along the ring, which cords converge at the center of the hoop net assembly and are connected to each other by a fastening means, then further connected to a single draw cord. The draw cord is used to cast the assembled hoop net into water to a desired depth and pulled back into the boat with live bait. Once the hoop net assembly has been used, the metal rods are easily disconnected to facilitate folding the hoop net in half for easy storage and portability.

Abstract: A floating bait trap as shown and described. According to an embodiment, bait trap 100 is generally comprised of a first body portion 102 and a second body portion 104. Bait trap 100 is operable to float in a body of water and trap bait fish, such as minnows, in an interior portion defined by first body portion 102 and a second body portion 104 when mated together.

Abstract: A crayfish trap is configured to accommodate large crayfish. The crayfish trap includes a continuous wire mesh configured to form a top panel and a bottom panel. A forward spiked ramp and a rear spiked ramp are attached to the bottom panel. A plate is mechanically coupled to the bottom panel and configured to weight down the crayfish trap. A forward one-way door and a rear one-way door are attached to the top panel and slightly displaced from the forward spiked ramp and the rear spiked ramp permitting entry of the crayfish into the crayfish trap. A bait trap is attached to the plate configured to attract crayfish into the crayfish trap. The top panel includes a top access door configured to access the crayfish trap for baiting and crayfish removal.

Abstract: A gas mixer for mixing a first gas and a second gas, having a first, outer gas housing part, having an inlet for the first gas in a longitudinal axis and an inlet for the second gas in a transverse axis, a second, interior gas housing part set into the first gas housing part to form an annular space for a second gas, having a mixing space into which the first gas and the second gas are introduced for mixing. The first and second gas housing parts and the annular space are aligned along the longitudinal axis and the mixing space is aligned cylindrically along the longitudinal axis. A mixing device having a plurality of hollow rods is arranged in the mixing space. A hollow space of a hollow rod is in fluid communication on both sides with the annular space. The number of hollow rods extends transverse to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis and at least one hollow rod has a plurality of openings for the second gas, so that the hollow space is in fluid communication with the cylindrical mixing space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a live bait keeper having a cornerless interior and dynamic flow of ambient water through it for freshening the water and protecting bait against harm when the holder is in water. The holder has a hollow, disc-shaped keeper body having forward and aft ends and cornerless interior space. The keeper is buoyant. A top hatch accesses the interior where bait is held. In use, ports on the top-portion of the keeper vent air and water from the interior, and bottom-ports disposed toward the forward-end of the keeper allow water to enter the interior. A tether attachment is disposed on the bottom-portion at the forward end below the neutral buoyancy plane of the keeper body, and as a tether maintains the forward end into the wind and/or current, the keeper rocks fore and aft forcing water into the bottom-ports to provide dynamic water flow into the bait holder.

Abstract: Herein we describe fishing gear having a degradable identification component comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, as well as methods for ensuring that such identification component degrades quickly after detachment. Aquatic debris has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use implements that will degrade into environmentally benign compounds. Incorporating a degradable identification component into fishing gear provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable identification components are described herein.

Abstract: Herein we describe fishing gear having a polyhydroxyalkanoate degradable component, as well as methods for ensuring that such gear has reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict fishing gear has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use gear that will lose the ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating a degradable apparatus into such gear provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable components are described herein.

Abstract: The fish trap system includes an enclosure having a revolving trap door attached to a coned gate Gargoor. Still and video cameras are included in the enclosure to provide snapshot and moving pictures of fish caught in the trap. A buoy (float) is included, from which images of fish in the enclosure are relayed via digital link to the user on the Internet. Moreover, user-controlled electrical gates are provided to either retain a fish or release a fish by closing and opening the gates via the Internet connection. The video camera, being disposed in the trap housing, is movable and provides views of the area around the fish trap when submerging the trap until it reaches the ground in order to locate the right flooring for the fish trap. Aside from fishing purposes, the fish trap system may be used for experimental purposes.

Abstract: Devices, systems and kits are described which provide a method for trapping crustaceans in an aquatic environment. The systems include receptacles for holding bait, with a lid to secure a soluble layer onto the receptacle. The soluble layer dissolves over time to allow the scent of the bait to be released in the aquatic environment to attract the target crustaceans.

Abstract: Herein we describe fishing gear having a degradable component comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, as well as methods for ensuring that such gear has reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict fishing gear has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use gear that will lose theability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating a degradable apparatus into such gear provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable components are described herein.

Abstract: Herein we describe fishing gear having a degradable identification component comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, as well as methods for ensuring that such identification component degrades quickly after detachment. Aquatic debris has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use implements that will degrade into environmentally benign compounds. Incorporating a degradable identification component into fishing gear provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable identification components are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for improving the speed and ease of attaching, removing, and cleaning bait-cans when used for crabbing. A punch machine pierces one or more holes in a bait-can that resembles a large tuna can. This can, in turn, inserts into a new hanger device that is generally C-shaped with the open notch at the bottom and a pair of retainers at the top. The can is simply snapped into the hanger. The hanger attaches to a crab pot but suspends the bait can off the floor of the pot. In another version, the hanger includes two opposed arms that can be used to stabilize an existing bait device in the known art.

Abstract: A system for tracking underwater equipment is disclosed which includes a buoy and an underwater animal trap connected to the buoy. A position sensing unit is mounted to the buoy, wherein the position sensing unit includes a satellite signal receiver which computes location data in response to receiving signals from multiple satellites, and a transmitter which transmits the location data. A tracking device can be used to display the location data received from the position sensing unit, allowing the position of the buoy and associated underwater animal trap to be tracked. A method of tracking an underwater animal trap is disclosed which includes coupling a position sensing unit to a buoy, and tracking the location of the buoy with a tracking unit. The buoy is coupled to an underwater animal trap, and the position sensing unit computes buoy location data in response to receiving signals from multiple satellites.

Abstract: Winter fish traps and methods of using the same are disclosed. A method of trapping fish is provided that includes locating a substantially immobile group of fish in a body of water, providing a semi-rigid water-permeable trap having a bottom opening, lowering the trap opening over the group of fish onto a bottom surface of the body of water to trap the group of fish, remotely operating a semi-rigid door to cover the trap opening while the fish trap is resting on the bottom surface, and retrieving the fish trap from the body of water.

Abstract: Herein we describe fishing gear having a degradable component comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, as well as methods for ensuring that such gear has reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict fishing gear has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use gear that will lose the ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating a degradable apparatus into such gear provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable components are described herein.

Abstract: A bait cake for a crustacean trap, the bait cake comprising a mixture of animal collagen, water, gelatin, gelling agents, fish meal, and fish oil, molded and cured into a cylindrical cake; a method of preparation of a bait cake which preserves the attractiveness of the bait cake to crustaceans, and a method of attracting crustaceans to a trap using the bait cake of the invention.

Abstract: A device for colonizing and harvesting marine hardground animals in an underwater region of a ground-based offshore edifice includes at least one rail device configured to extend vertically on the offshore edifice along a height of the underwater region to above a waterline. The device also includes a netting array including a habitat carriage having a habitat and trapping basket that is adapted to contain the hardground animals. A lifting device is configured to move the netting array along the at least one rail device. Additionally, the device includes a scavenging carriage including a basic unit and a running unit that is configured to detachably couple the scavenging carriage with the at least one rail device so as to be movable thereon. The scavenging carriage is configured to detachably couple with the habitat carriage and the lifting device.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for capturing sea crustaceans, such as crab, lobster, and shrimp. In various embodiments, the disclosed crustacean trap has a tapered body and collapsible trap doors usable for stacking multiple crustacean traps to reduce space requirements for storage, transportation and deployment. Foldable entry doors allow pre set up of traps for commercial and sport fishing fishing applications. The disclosed crustacean trap is configured for single-step and/or single-hand setting up of bait, trap doors, and deployment. The disclosed crustacean trap further includes a body-attached hook, which reduces line and rope tangling during setup and operation.

Abstract: Herein we describe crustacean fishing traps having degradable cull ring panels, as well as methods for ensuring that such traps have reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict crab and lobster traps have a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use degradable traps that will lose their ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating degradable cull ring panels into such traps provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable cull ring panels are described herein.

Abstract: Herein we describe crustacean fishing traps having degradable cull panels, as well as methods for ensuring that such traps have reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict crab and lobster traps have a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use crustacean fishing traps that will lose their ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating degradable cull panels into such traps provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable cull panels are described herein.

Abstract: A trigger for a marine animal trap is preferably constructed from two identical, or nearly identical, parts. The two parts are substantially flat as manufactured, and are constructed to have connector sections that fold without breaking away from each substantially flat part. The connector sections overlap and secure to one another, preferably with integral connection facilitators on each connector section. Fingers from each substantially flat part converge towards one another when the connector sections are secured together. Optional excluder bars may be included on each substantially flat part, and may be bent towards one another and secured together.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for capturing sea crustaceans, such as crab, lobster, and shrimp. In various embodiments, the disclosed crustacean trap has a tapered body and collapsible trap doors usable for stacking multiple crustacean traps to reduce space requirements for storage, transportation and deployment. Foldable entry doors allow pre set up of traps for commercial and sport fishing fishing applications. The disclosed crustacean trap is configured for single-step and/or single-hand setting up of bait, trap doors, and deployment. The disclosed crustacean trap further includes a body-attached hook, which reduces line and rope tangling during setup and operation.

Abstract: A thwartable link for a vertical fishing line includes a substantially tubularly shaped body having a first end and a second end and first and second opposed side walls extending between the first and second ends. Each of the side walls has an axially extending elongated slot passing therethrough. A knife blade is located within the interior of the tubular body adjacent the first end but facing the second end. The fishing line extends through the slots in the side walls and through the interior of the tubular body. A stop is attached to the line adjacent the first side of the tubular body preventing the line from being pulled through the elongated slot in the first side. A tether extends between the second end of the tubular body and the line. The tether is connected to the line on the same side as the stop means but is spaced therefrom. An elastic O-ring surrounding the tubular body temporarily retains the line adjacent the second end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A trap for crabs or lobsters has a mesh extending over a trap frame, with at least one inlet opening provided with a one-way inlet gate spaced apart pins which are pivotable between open and closed positions. Pin retainers prevent spreading of the pins apart from one another when the pins are in the closed position and an undersized crab outlet opening, dimensioned to allow undersized crab or lobsters to escape from the interior chamber, is provided at a side of the trap and at the bottom of the trap. The frame includes an top peripheral frame portion and finger grip openings at the underside of the trap frame. The one-way inlet gate has first and second sets of spaced apart pins, each set being pivotable independently of the other between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A collapsible trap (10) particularly suitable as a crab pot for trapping crabs. The collapsible trap (10) comprises a frame structure (13) having a central axis and pliant material such as netting (15) attached to the frame structure (13). A haul line (11) is connected to the frame structure (13). The frame structure (13) comprises a plurality of elongate frame elements (31). The frame structure (13) is moveable between a retracted condition in which the frame elements (31) extend generally parallel to central axis and an extended condition in which the frame elements (31) extend outwardly of the central axis giving form and shape to the netting (15) to provide an enclosure (17) defining an entrapment zone (19). When the frame structure (13) is in the retracted condition, the netting (15) can be wrapped about the frame structure (13) to assume a compact condition for storage and transportation.

Abstract: An antifouling barrier comprising a silicon bronze alloy, the silicon bronze alloy comprising about 0.5% to about 3.8% silicon (wt/wt alloy) and greater than about 90% copper (wt/wt alloy). In some embodiments, the silicon bronze alloy additionally comprises from about 0.05% to about 1.3% manganese (wt/wt alloy). The antifouling barrier may be a welded wire mesh, screen, chain-link, chain-mail, grid, weave, perforated sheet, or chicken wire. Methods of reducing the growth of an organism on an animal enclosure, comprising contacting at least a portion of the animal enclosure with an antifouling barrier comprising a silicon bronze alloy comprising about 0.5% to about 3.8% silicon (wt/wt alloy) and greater than about 90% copper (wt/wt alloy).

Abstract: A trap for crabs or lobsters has a mesh extending over a trap frame, with at least one inlet opening provided with a one-way inlet gate spaced apart pins which are pivotable between open and closed positions. Pin retainers prevent spreading of the pins apart from one another when the pins are in the closed position and an undersized crab outlet opening, dimensioned to allow undersized crab or lobsters to escape from the interior chamber, is provided at a side of the trap and at the bottom of the trap. The frame includes an top peripheral frame portion and finger grip openings at the underside of the trap frame. The one-way inlet gate has first and second sets of spaced apart pins, each set being pivotable independently of the other between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An improved crustacean, fish & animal trap comprising a collapsible hoop and mesh structure to minimize storage size. The invention is unique in that it collapses through the manipulation of flexible hoops to a size minimized in all three dimensions. The primary configurations would be for crab, prawns and lobster/crayfish; however, in slightly different configurations, can be used to catch or cage animals, fish and other crustaceans. Another embodiment of the trap would feature only one hoop and would be used as a “lift trap.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a base, at least one side wall and at least one end wall extending from the base, a top ring and a lid. The top ring is positioned on the side wall and the end wall on an opposite side from the base. The lid is hingedly attached to the top ring. The side wall and end wall are pivotable between a collapsed position and a use position relative to the base.

Abstract: A catching device for which a user can trap a fish in a body of water, wherein said catching device is generally comprised of a first side wall, a second side wall, a top, a bottom, an entrance opening and an exit opening. First side wall, second side wall, top and bottom form a frame which has a hollow interior. Entrance opening and exit opening form conduits between the body of water and the interior of the excluding device. The width of entrance opening is equal to the width of exit opening. Entrance opening and exit opening are surrounded by two excluding bars attached to two excluding plates such that the excluding plates define the maximum expandable width of entrance opening and exit opening. The maximum expandable width of entrance opening is greater than the maximum expandable width of exit opening. A plurality of ballast chambers are attached to the present device.

Abstract: A fish catcher having a handle connected to a base wherein the base is tubular in shape having two ends. On a first end is a large opening less than the diameter of the tube. On the second or distal end is an opening smaller than the large opening. The body is made of an opaque rigid material.

Abstract: A trigger for a marine animal trap is preferably constructed from two identical, or nearly identical, parts. The two parts are substantially flat as manufactured, and are constructed to have connector sections that fold without breaking away from each substantially flat part. The connector sections overlap and secure to one another, preferably with integral connection facilitators on each connector section. Fingers from each substantially flat part converge towards one another when the connector sections are secured together. Optional excluder bars may be included on each substantially flat part, and may be bent towards one another and secured together.

Abstract: A system for supplying crab bait or bait for crustaceans by providing a porous structure, having an inner chamber for placing bait therein, where a connection portion can be connected to a crustacean trap device.

Abstract: A leech trap consisting of a location marking float and an enclosure having a removable lid and a first plurality of holes through the surface of the enclosure to allow entry of leeches into the enclosure. The lower end of the enclosure is weighted and contains a second plurality of smaller holes for rapid drainage of water without loss of the trapped leeches.

Abstract: A device for trapping and collecting snails in an aquatic environment. The device includes a basin with a lid having a top opening through which snails may enter, a floating screen to keep snails retained, and a standpipe to anchor the device to the bottom of a water body and to serve as a location for the deposit of snail eggs.

Abstract: An improved crustacean, fish & animal trap comprising a collapsible hoop and mesh structure to minimize storage size. The invention is unique in that it collapses through the manipulation of flexible hoops to a size minimized in all three dimensions. The primary configurations would be for crab, prawns and lobster/crayfish; however, in slightly different configurations, can be used to catch or cage animals, fish and other crustaceans. Another embodiment of the trap would feature only one hoop and would be used as a “lift trap.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables the fishing pots to be lifted with ease. The system includes a hook embedded in the gear rope near the first pot. The string of pots is set normally, with the end of the rope marked with a buoy. To retrieve the pots, the buoy is pulled up onto the boat and the rope is tied off. An anchor-pulling ring with a buoy attached is placed around the line. The boat is driven in the opposite direction as the current or tide. This causes the pot rope to be pulled up, with the pots. The rope passes through the anchor-pulling ring until the hook passes through the ring. The line can be slacked off and the hook will catch the ring and hold the pots while the remainder of the rope is retrieved. Once the boat reaches the buoy, the pots can easily be pulled up.

Abstract: Herein we describe crab traps having degradable cull ring panels, as well as methods for ensuring that crab traps have reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict crab traps have a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use degradable crab traps that will lose their ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating degradable cull ring panels into crab traps provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable cull ring panels are described herein.